As the pressure increases on those countries receiving the
greatest numbers of asylum applicants and refugees, this situation
risks undermining European political solidarity and efforts to respond
to the humanitarian needs of refugees. The migrant and refugee crisis
has provoked responses amongst public opinion that include rejection
and fear, with a widespread reluctance to receive additional refugees.

On the other hand, many countries have made enormous efforts
to respond to the challenge, welcome the refugees and begin the
process of integrating them into society. These examples show how
States can cope with even very large numbers of refugees and asylum
seekers in ways that benefit both the new arrivals and the host
societies – provided there is clear political will, good communication
of policy and effective mobilisation of administrative and social
resources.

This report provides an overview of different national approaches
to the integration of migrants in Council of Europe member States.
It puts emphasis on good practices which can be broadly used to
succeed in engaging refugees in the daily economic, social and cultural
life of host communities. This is based on an understanding of the
situation of the refugees and their cultural backgrounds, whilst
also respecting the fundamental values and everyday lifestyles of
host societies.